Korean consumer electronics company LG has always been the odd man out. In South Korea, the company is easily overshadowed by rival Samsung—in terms of marketing if nothing else—and throughout the world the quality and beauty of HTC’s and Sony’s products are much better known, certainly so in the mobile phone industry.
LG has scored poorly amongst handset buyers of both types – ones looking for value and the ones looking to flaunt them. This is a shame, because LG’s recently launched G3 smartphone is much like its G2 predecessor—a powerful device with great technical capability. But do the phone’s features justify the hefty ₹47,990 - 50,000 price tag it comes with?
Though the phone comes with a 5.5 inch screen, its soft corners and curved back allow it to be handled mostly comfortably with one hand. This means that, along with its thin bezels, it offers the advantages of a device like the Galaxy Note 3 while still firmly being a ‘large’ smartphone.
In terms of design language, the G3 borrows much from its predecessor. The decision to place the power and volume buttons on the back of the phone—which is perhaps LG’s rebellion against the inevitable standardization of the smartphone— is an awkward design choice that needs to slowly fade out.
The most curious aspect of the phone’s build is the plastic rear panel that has been brushed with a metallic finish, resulting in what is now being referred to as ‘faux metal’. While LG may be looking to cash in on the aluminum appeal of the HTC One M8, faux metal seems a little dishonest. After all, at first glance, the phone does appear to be made out of metal, gleaming reflections and all. When customers place their hands on the phone, however, this image is quickly dispelled.
Nevertheless, this new plastic-metallic skin comes with major improvements over the G2, the most noticeable of which is its much-needed anti-scratch and fingerprint-resistant material.
Specs and Performance When it comes to specifications, the G3 shines. Powered by a 2.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the device also comes with either 2GB or 3GB RAM depending on whether you purchase the 16 GB or 32 GB version.
The battery and screen—3,000mAh and Quad HD (2560 X 1440)—are both larger than life. LG G3 users will be able to use the device for nearly one-and-a-half working days (16-18 hours)—with the usual e-mail, social media, browsing and video watching—without needing to head for a power outlet.
The G3’s higher resolution screen—currently matched only by the Oppo Find 7— is an absolute delight. The 538ppi pixel density delivers great colour accuracy, viewing angles and contrast. Though most users will be unable to identify the extra graphical detail without playing 3D games or anything that scales up to the full Quad HD resolution, the display itself is an achievement.
The 13-megapixel rear-facing camera—which comes with a much-touted laser autofocus— shows that technical advancement can also come with an equal jump in usability.
Not only is the autofocus blazing fast—LG quotes a time of 276 milliseconds which is markedly less than the Galaxy S5— but the camera software is remarkably simple to navigate and use. The picture quality itself is very good, with a lot of detail in good light. In low light however, the G3 tends to block out detail that other smartphone cameras retain.
In terms of performance, there is very little to complain about. The G3 manages most tasks with ease, the only time it slows down a little is when one changes the animations in the user interface.
The 16GB-2GB RAM model, which Technophile received for reviewing, scored a little above 19,000 points on Quadrant benchmark tests.
Software The G3 again scores very highly when it comes to the intertwining of its new Optimus UI with the latest version of Android 4.4 KitKat. Not only is it a major improvement for LG’s software team—which has traditionally not been the best—but there are also subtle gestures that mark the G3 as its own.
The most useful feature is the KnockOn and KnockCode ability, which allows users to tap the screen in different patterns in order to wake up the phone. Not only is this a joy to use, but it makes one laugh at the 9-point swipe unlock screen that most Android phones use.
Though some of the extra features and animations introduce a little lag, the clutter can be easily removed.
Verdict The G3 is a great, top-of-the-line Android smartphone. There are very few flaws—the most noticeable of which is its rear panel— but it is also expensive at ₹47,990 (16GB) and ₹50,990 (32GB). It definitely deserves its place beside the HTC One M8 and Sony Xperia Z2, even if it is not significantly superior.
Customers that are dead-set on a high-end Android smartphone would find it tough to find a better option. Whether that is enough for it to sell in high numbers is quite another thing.
₹47,990 onwards
Love - Quad HD display, Laser-guided camera, battery life
Hate - Plastic-metallic rear panel, rear button placement